How do you define the difference between crazy and insane?

Answer 1

Means the same, my dear. insane is a more formal terminology.

Answer 2

Main Entry: 1cra·zy
Pronunciation: 'krA-zE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): cra·zi·er; -est
1 a : full of cracks or flaws : UNSOUND b : CROOKED, ASKEW
2 a : MAD, INSANE b (1) : IMPRACTICAL (2) : ERRATIC c : being out of the ordinary : UNUSUAL
3 a : distracted with desire or excitement b : absurdly fond : INFATUATED c : passionately preoccupied : OBSESSED


Main Entry: in·sane
Pronunciation: (")in-'sAn
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin insanus, from in- + sanus sane
1 : mentally disordered : exhibiting insanity
2 : used by, typical of, or intended for insane persons
3 : ABSURD
4 : EXTREME 1

Answer 3

You don't. Get a copy of DSM-IV (this is the short for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) and look for "crazy" and "insane". You will notice that both are conspicuously absent, because they are not informative terms. Professionals avoid using these terms, because they are emotionally charged and hopelessly vague. Instead, they use more descriptive terms, such as "obsessive" or "delusional".

Answer 4

If they're running around naked in public, I think I can pretty much say that he/she is insane or crazy. In love, if the person stalks another person all the way to their home, takes pictures of them, etc. that can pretty much be considered an obsession and it's a bit crazy.

Answer 5

I would differentiate crazy from insane in that crazy is a temporary condition whereas insane is much more intense and long term.

Answer 6

In a literal sense... there is no difference.

People use both of those words for people who are insane or pretend to be insane by doing stupid things.

Answer 7

Symantics. One is a popular description and one is a clinical evaluation, but not a psychological condition as in bipolar.

Answer 8

both are derogatory terms used by neanderthals to describe another person. another person who happens to see things differently. I do not judge someone to be mentally ill unless it's clear that thier thought and mood distortions significantly interfere with thier ability to function adaquetly.

Answer 9

Crazy is a slang word.Insane is a clinical word

Answer 10

I consider them both highly stigmatized references to general problems with mental health. I don't like to use either in their original definition as such.